Schwartz received a call from the Chargers shortly before 1 p.m. informing him that the team would let the deadline pass without placing the franchise tag on Jackson but that they are interested in re-signing the Pro Bowl wide receiver.

We’ll know soon whether these two will be united long-term or split and go their separate ways.

All the right things are being said, and Jackson may yet remain in San Diego. But that likely is contingent on other suitors not wowing arguably the best wideout available in free agency.

Speaking before the deadline, Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith addressed the $13.7 million one-year price that the franchise tag would require.

“If we decide to franchise Vincent we all know the number,” Smith said. “If we decide to pursue a long-term deal we will have a great offer, a great package both in years and money. I hope it’s acceptable to them. We would love to have Vincent continue to be a member of our team. If they like our contract and think it’s of fair value for them, they will accept. If not, they will be picking a team and contract to their liking – a team that they feel is best for them. I understand the process and respect their position.”

The Chargers have a number in mind for Jackson that likely includes a finite amount of wiggle room.

But they have given away their leverage. Jackson is now available to 31 other teams, and as many as eight of them are considered serious suitors. While league sources in recent weeks have said the receiver market won’t be as lucrative as Jackson might hope, even the Chargers know there is at least one team out there that is expected to push the market for Jackson.

Also, it is believed the Buffalo Bills remain interested in Jackson despite signing Stevie Johnson to a five-year, $36.25 million deal on Monday. And, at least theoretically, Jackson was helped when Dwayne Bowe received the franchise tag from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Working in the Chargers’ favor, though, is Jackson’s desire to remain in San Diego. According to those familiar with his thinking, he has compartmentalized his feelings about the team and wants to remain a part of the offense led by Philip Rivers and devised by Norv Turner. He would, according to sources, take less from the Chargers than another team, though not a whole lot less.

This despite an uneasy co-existence with the Chargers that began with him essentially being forced to agree to a five-year contract as a rookie.

Over the seven years since the Chargers drafted Jackson out of Northern Colorado in the second round of the 2005 draft, the team has paid him approximately $15 million.

But that does not suffice at all in detailing the union.

Jackson caught 35 passes for 539 yards and three touchdowns over the final nine games of 2007 (including playoffs), and the Chargers offered a long-term contract that offseason. That team-friendly offer was declined by Jackson’s agents.

In 2008, Jackson had the first of his back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons but prior to the Chargers’ second playoff game was also arrested a second time in three years on DUI charges. After that, his agents approached the Chargers about a contract but were denied.

Jackson was due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009 season, in which he caught 68 passes for 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs. But the unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreement meant he was restricted. The Chargers gave Jackson a $3.268 million tender, and when Jackson did not accept it reduced the tender to $682,000. By the time Jackson reported to the Chargers for the season’s final six games, his salary for the 2010 season was $280,000.

Schwartz and partner Jonathan Feinsod attempted to facilitate a trade. When Smith refused to complete a deal with Minnesota Vikings, the agents were livid and publicly berated Smith.

Prior to this past season, the Chargers placed the franchise tag on Jackson, which assured him $11.4 million for 2011 but set up this offseason’s drama.

Smith evaded all questions on Monday except those about Jackson. Regarding the player whose history with the team has been characterized by both excellence and turbulence, Smith was effusive.

Asked about his history with Jackson, Schwartz and Feinsod and how it might affect a possible deal getting done in the next week or so, Smith leaned on his facetious side.

“First of all, we always do what’s in the best interest of the Chargers,” Smith said. “As for my relationship with Vincent through all this, it’s fine and always has been. As far as Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Feinsod are concerned, their words about me to the media last year were very hurtful. Because of it, my therapist feels I will be emotionally scarred for a considerable amount of time. But I’m doing well. I’m kind of dealing with that on a day-to-day basis.”

Truth is, Smith will be involved in negotiations only behind the scenes. Vice president Ed McGuire handles the team’s negotiations.

“Ed has a great way of presenting out position to agents,” Smith said. “He is much better with words than I am, always has been. He’s the perfect man for the job.”

The Chargers have a number in mind, likely an average value of less than $11 million per year. But that might also be subject to a finite amount of wiggle room.

What is expected to happen is that the sides will continue checking with each other. Free agency opens at 1 p.m. (PT) on March 13, and Jackson is expected to last no longer than a few days.

So this saga is about to end one way or the other, with wedding bells or a breakup.